Deaccessioning

Definition

Deaccessioning refers to the process of formally removing an item from a museum's collection, typically involving the sale, transfer, or destruction of the object. This process is essential for museums to manage their collections effectively and ethically, ensuring that they maintain relevance and comply with their mission. Deaccessioning must be guided by ethical considerations, as it often raises questions about the stewardship of cultural heritage and the rationale behind acquiring and subsequently removing items from collections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deaccessioning is often necessary when items are deemed irrelevant to a museum's mission or if they require excessive resources for conservation.
2. Many institutions have specific policies and guidelines that govern the deaccessioning process to ensure transparency and accountability.
3. Ethical concerns surrounding deaccessioning can arise if objects are sold for profit rather than used to support the museum's mission or to enhance the collection.
4. Deaccessioned items may be offered to other institutions first, ensuring that cultural heritage remains accessible and preserved within the community.
5. The decision to deaccession is usually made by museum boards or curatorial staff, often involving discussions on the object's historical significance and public interest.

Review Questions

• How does deaccessioning relate to the principles of museum curation and exhibition design?
  • Deaccessioning is integral to museum curation as it helps institutions refine their collections and align them with their mission. By removing items that no longer serve educational or cultural purposes, curators can focus on displaying works that resonate with current themes and audiences. This process also allows for more effective use of space and resources in exhibitions, ultimately enhancing visitor engagement and educational value.
• Discuss the ethical considerations involved in the deaccessioning process and how they impact public trust in museums.
  • Ethical considerations in deaccessioning include ensuring transparency about why items are being removed and how the proceeds will be used. When museums prioritize profit over their mission or fail to communicate their intentions clearly, public trust can be undermined. It's crucial for institutions to adhere to established ethical guidelines that emphasize accountability, stewardship of cultural heritage, and community involvement in decisions regarding collections.
• Evaluate how deaccessioning practices might evolve in response to changing societal values regarding cultural heritage and museum collections.
  • As societal values shift towards greater inclusivity and representation, deaccessioning practices may evolve to address these changes. Museums might increasingly focus on removing items that reflect colonial histories or marginalize certain cultures while seeking to diversify their collections with works from underrepresented communities. This evolution reflects a broader commitment to ethical stewardship and redefines what is considered significant within a collection, ultimately reshaping how museums engage with their audiences and fulfill their educational roles.

Related terms

Provenance: The history of ownership and transfer of an artwork or artifact, crucial for establishing its authenticity and significance.

Curatorial Ethics: The set of principles guiding museum professionals in the care, management, and interpretation of collections, including issues surrounding deaccessioning.

Acquisition: The process of obtaining items for a museum's collection, which can include purchasing, receiving donations, or bequests.